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Authored by Jason M. Williams - 21st June, 2008 - 12:26 pm
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2007-2008 Finish: 56-26
2008 Draft Picks: 26th, 45th, 57th
Pre-Draft 2008-09 Projected Starters:
PG Tony Parker
SG Manu Ginobili
SF Bruce Bowen
PF Tim Duncan
C Fabricio Oberto
Key Reserves:
PG Jacque Vaughn
SF Ime Udoka
SG Brent Barry
PF Matt Bonner
What the Spurs Do Well:
The Spurs have won four championships since 1999. But the one thing they haven’t been able to do is repeat and defend their crown. That was the case this year as they were ousted by the L.A. Lakers in the West Finals.
Once again, the team was centered on 'The Real Big Three'. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili continued to be incredible together and brought this team to another 56 wins.
Manu had perhaps his finest season, capturing the ‘suspect’ Sixth Man Award by leading the team in scoring ‘off the bench’ with 19.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.47 steals.
Tim Duncan was the steady force in the middle, leading the team with 11.3 rebounds and 1.95 blocks per game to go along with his leadership and 19.3 points per game.
Parker was once again the straw that stirs the drink. His speed into the paint got the Spurs going on a nightly basis, and he had a team high 6.0 assists to go with his 18.8 points.
Greatest Areas of Improvement:
Youth on the Wing
Bruce Bowen and Mike Finley are getting up there, and I don’t mean leaping to the basket. They are both stars of yesteryear, and maybe it’s time the Spurs get some young blood at the position before these guys become ineffective.
Depth at Point Guard
With the departure of former backup and now rising star Beno Udrih, the Spurs once again find themselves looking for a steady backup at the point. Will they use their pick this year on a backup floor leader?
Who’s Gone Number 26 Recently?
Over the past five years, the 26th pick has turned out marvelously. Kevin Martin; Jordan Farmar was a key reserve for the West Champion Lakers; and Aaron Brooks demonstrated he deserves a crack at the rotation next year.
2007
Aaron Brooks, Houston Rockets
2006
Jordan Farmar, L.A. Lakers
2005
Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons
2004
Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings
2003
Ndudi Ebi, Minnesota Timberwolves
Who Should the Spurs Target?
For more in-depth analysis and background regarding the players that the Spurs should target in this year’s Draft, click on each player name to be redirected to Christopher Reina’s Prospect Report piece.
Mario Chalmers of Kansas
With minimal wing players available at this stage of the Draft, look for the Spurs to pounce on Chalmers if he is available. He is a high quality guy from a winning program, which seems to fit perfectly with the Spurs. They could also look at Chris Douglas-Roberts of Memphis, but he may not fit properly in the San Antonio environment.
- Kyle Weaver of Washington State
Weaver is a talented guard who can play both positions and defend the one, two, and three positions like a menace. He is the type of player you love if he’s on your team but hate if he isn’t. The intangibles he brings to the floor would fit perfectly with what the Spurs are trying to do.
Picks Over the Past Five Years
The Spurs have obviously not been afraid to draft players from overseas. That is how they got Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker. Unfortunately, none of their recent picks has panned out as nicely, but when the team is already stacked, it doesn’t really matter.
2007
Tiago Splitter, 28th
Marcus Williams, 33rd
Giorgos Printezis, 58th (traded to Toronto)
2006
Damir Markota, 59th
2005
Ian Mahinmi, 28th
2004
Beno Udrih, 28th
Romain Sato, 52nd
Sergei Karaulov, 57th
2003
Leandro Barbosa, 28th (traded to Phoenix)
Previous Editions of the 30 Teams, 30 Days Series
30 Teams, 30 Days: Chicago Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Miami Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Minnesota Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Memphis Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New York Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: LA Clippers Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Milwaukee Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Charlotte Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New Jersey Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Indiana Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Sacramento Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Portland Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Golden State Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Phoenix Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Philadelphia Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Toronto Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Washington Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Cleveland Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Denver Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: New Jersey Draft Preview (21st)
30 Teams, 30 Days: Orlando Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Utah Draft Preview
30 Teams, 30 Days: Seattle Draft Preview (24th)
30 Teams, 30 Days: Houston Draft Preview
Whom do you want the Spurs to draft at number 26? Feel free to contact Jason M. Williams with your thoughts. He can be reached at Jason.Williams@RealGM.com for comments and questions. |
